The men’s varsity basketball team suffered a tough loss to the Calvert Hall Cardinals, 74-48, on January 5.

“We were a little overwhelmed by the Cardinals because they’re a very good team,” said Coach Tony Martin.

The Cardinals have only lost once this season, making them a tough team to match up against. Beginning with their win at the jump off and their quick score, they maintained a steady lead throughout the game.

The Patriots’ have two key players injured, junior Jared Jones and freshman Mike Owona. But according to Martin, the other players, now under pressure, are bringing more to the table. “We’re coming along with a good group of players under fire due to injuries,” said Martin.

At the end of the first quarter, the Patriots were at a loss: 17-10. But junior Malcolm McMillan said he felt that at the end of the first quarter they were still “in the game.”

McMillan led the team, scoring 25 points and playing 28 minutes in the game. He played a big role on the defending end, holding Cardinals shooting guard Damion Lee to only 10 points.

McMillan did surprise onlookers, with a dunk right before halftime. But at halftime, the Patriots were left with a gaping score of 37-22, with the Cardinals in the lead.  

By the end of the third quarter, it was apparent that the Patriots would have to work magic or the lead would stay with the Cardinals, who were winning 60-36.

And in the fourth quarter, things did get exciting for junior Alassane Ouedraogo. Ouedraogo scored his first career point on the varsity level. “I just slowed down and took my shot,” Ouedraogo said.

Although the Patriots suffered a loss, Martin’s attitude remains positive. “The kids listened well and executed,” Martin said.

Junior KJ Hockaday, who had 4 points and 8 rebounds, is also staying optimistic: “We played well as a team, we went out there and played our hardest, all the components are finally piecing together, and we’re really shaping up.”

Julia Earnshaw can be reached for comment at [email protected].